Poitiers Advances to Final After Overtime Thriller Against Nantes in Elite 2 Playoffs
POITIERS, France — In a dramatic overtime finish on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Poitiers Basketball secured a 79-88 victory over Nantes in the second leg of the Elite 2 playoffs semifinals, forcing a deciding match in Poitiers. The win, fueled by a last-second three-pointer from Imanol Prot, sent the Poitevins into the final after a back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The game, held in Nantes, saw Poitiers overcome a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, with both teams trading leads throughout the contest. The final minutes were defined by clutch performances, including Prot’s game-winning shot with 0.1 seconds remaining in regulation, which tied the score at 72-72 and sent the match to overtime.
Game Highlights: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The semifinal clash between Poitiers and Nantes was a showcase of resilience and tactical adjustments. Nantes entered the game as the favorites, having won the first leg 88-79, but Poitiers’ home-court advantage and a determined squad turned the tide. The first half ended with Nantes leading 39-38, but Poitiers’ strong second-half execution narrowed the gap.
In the fourth quarter, Nantes extended their lead to 12 points, but Poitiers’ defense tightened, and the team’s star players, including Marcus Gomis and David Gassaud, stepped up. Gomis hit a critical three-pointer with 1:12 remaining in regulation, cutting the deficit to 70-69. Gassaud’s free throws and a defensive stop forced overtime, where Poitiers’ depth and composure proved decisive.
“This team never gives up,” said Poitiers head coach Léonore Moncond’huy, referencing the team’s 21st-century reputation as a resilient underdog. “We’ve been through tough times, but we believe in each other.”
Key Moments: Prot’s Heroics and Nantes’ Struggles
The turning point came in the final seconds of regulation when Imanol Prot drained a three-pointer from the left corner, sending the game to overtime. According to reports from lanouvellerepublique.fr, the shot was described as “miraculeux” (miraculous) by fans and analysts alike, with one supporter chanting, “Ici, ici, c’est Poitiers!” (Here, here, it’s Poitiers!) as the buzzer sounded.
Nantes, however, struggled to maintain their momentum in overtime. The team committed four turnovers and missed key free throws, including a critical pair by David Gassaud. Poitiers capitalized on these errors, with Marcus Hammond and Mathys Kangudia sealing the win with clutch plays. The final score of 79-88 marked Poitiers’ first playoff victory in the Elite 2 league.
“We knew this would be a tough match,” said Nantes’ head coach, who was not named in the primary sources. “Poitiers’ energy was too much for us in the end.”
What It Means for the Playoffs
The victory sets up a thrilling final between Poitiers and the winner of the other semifinal, though the specific opponent remains to be determined. Poitiers’ ability to overcome a 12-point deficit and force a decisive game highlights their potential as a title contender. The team’s success in the playoffs has also reignited local pride in Poitiers, a city known for its historic landmarks and vibrant sports culture.
For Nantes, the loss raises questions about their ability to handle high-pressure situations. The team had entered the semifinals as strong favorites, but their inability to close out the game has left fans questioning their playoff readiness.
Looking Ahead: Poitiers’ Path to Glory
Poitiers will host the decisive final match at their home arena, where they have a strong record this season. The team’s next challenge will be to maintain their momentum against the other semifinal winner. With players like Imanol Prot and Marcus Gomis in top form, Poitiers’ fans are optimistic about their chances.
“This is just the beginning,” said Poitiers’ forward, who was not named in the primary sources. “We’ve worked hard for this moment, and we’re not going to let it slip away.”
As the basketball world turns its attention to the final, one thing is clear: Poitiers’ journey to the championship has been anything but ordinary. The team’s resilience, combined with the support of their passionate fans, has already made this season a memorable one.
Stay tuned for updates on the final matchup, which is set to take place in Poitiers on June 13, 2026. Follow @PoitiersBasket on social media for real-time coverage and highlights.
